Travel software firm denies CEO bullying claims

Travel software company Web Applications UK has strongly denied allegations that chief executive Craig Dean subjected a young job application to a ‘brutal’ two-hour job interview.

The company took the unusual step of posting a statement on the home page of its website, claiming to have carried out an internal investigation following the allegations made by Olivia Bland on social media.

Bland had tweeted that Dean ‘tore both me and my writing to shreds (and called me an underachiever)’ but she was later offered the job at the Oldham-based firm, which she initially accepted verbally but later turned down in an email.

A copy of the email sent to Web Applications UK was attached to Bland’s tweet, and her story gained nationwide publicity after it was picked up by news organisations.

In response, Web Applications UK said it was ‘deeply concerned by the serious allegations’, adding: “The Board strongly condemns any form of bullying or intimidation. In response to the allegations, the Directors have carried out an internal investigation, independent from Craig Dean, including interviewing all employees who were directly involved in the recruitment process.”

It said the following the investigation ‘the Board is satisfied that no bullying or intimidation occurred. Nonetheless, the Directors are extremely saddened by this incident and the impact that this has had on the individual concerned, particularly as we are a company that takes great pride in nurturing the aspirations of young people. We will take this opportunity to reflect carefully on our recruitment process and HR policies.

“Web Applications UK remains committed to employee development and having a positive impact in our community, both of which are core elements of our company ethos.”

Previous employees of Web Applications UK have also complained of Dean’s management style on the company review site Glassdoor.co.uk. One described him as ‘condescending, arrogant and abusive’, adding: “Craig and the team need to make the environment really an environment. Everyone was literally scared and unable to perform at their optimum.”

Another former employee accused Dean of ‘borderline workplace bullying’ and urged him to step down in 2016 ‘to avoid further damage to the company’s reputation’. However among the more positive reviews is one that describes the management team as ‘extremely friendly and helpful’. Glassdoor has given the company an overall rating of 2.5 out of five stars.